U.S. patent application number 11/069661 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for ergonomic cleaning device.
Invention is credited to Bell, Russell E., Minkler, Douglas J., Nguyen, Thao.
Application Number | 20050217045 11/069661 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46304046 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050217045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minkler, Douglas J. ; et
al. |
October 6, 2005 |
Ergonomic cleaning device
Abstract
An ergonomic cleaning device that fits less than the entire hand
can be used to effectively clean surfaces. The cleaning device can
be used for inanimate or animate surfaces. The cleaning device
optionally contains a cleaning composition and can optionally be
attached to a cleaning implement. A kit containing the cleaning
device optionally provides directions for use and information about
disposal.
Inventors: |
Minkler, Douglas J.;
(Oakland, CA) ; Nguyen, Thao; (Oakland, CA)
; Bell, Russell E.; (Oakland, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
1221 BROADWAY PO BOX 2351
OAKLAND
CA
94623
US
|
Family ID: |
46304046 |
Appl. No.: |
11/069661 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11069661 |
Mar 1, 2005 |
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10817606 |
Apr 1, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/104.94 ;
15/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/20 20130101;
A47L 13/19 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/104.94 ;
015/227 |
International
Class: |
A47L 013/19 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A device comprising: a. a substrate having a first outwardly
facing side, a second outwardly facing side opposed to said first
side, wherein said first and second sides are bonded together
leaving an entry portion along one edge of each of said first and
second sides between said first and second sides; b. optionally, a
treatment composition impregnated in said substrate; c. optionally,
at least one substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer between
said first and second sides; and d. wherein said device is designed
to cover the hand area comprising parts of more than one appendage
selected from fingers and a thumb, and e. wherein said device is
designed not to cover the carpals area of the hand.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is designed to cover
four fingers but not cover the thumb.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is designed to cover
four fingers and the thumb.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is a mitt.
5. A device comprising: a. a substrate having a first outwardly
facing side, a second outwardly facing side opposed to said first
side, and forming an internal cavity between said first and second
sides, said substrate further having at least one entry portion
such that said internal cavity is externally accessible; b. a
treatment composition impregnated in said substrate; c. optionally,
at least one substantially fluid-impervious barrier layer within
said internal cavity adjacent at least one of said sides; and d.
wherein said device is designed to extend over at least two fingers
and said device is designed not to extend over the carpals area of
the hand.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein said treatment composition
comprises an organic acid selected from the group consisting of
pyroglutamic acid, adipic acid, gluconic acid, gluconolactone acid,
glutamic acid, glutaric acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid,
ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, malic
acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, and combinations thereof.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein said treatment composition
comprises a surfactant selected from the group consisting of an
anionic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, a nonionic
surfactant, and combinations thereof.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein said treatment composition
comprises a biocide.
9. The device of claim 5, wherein said device can be attached to a
cleaning implement.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said substrate has an indicia
that indicates the side of said substrate for attachment to said
cleaning implement.
11. The device of claim 5, wherein said device covers three
fingers.
12. The device of claim 5, wherein said substrate comprises
thermoplastic fibers.
13. The device of claim 5, wherein said substrate comprises sponge
material.
14. The device of claim 5, wherein said substrate comprises
superabsorbent material.
15. The device of claim 5, wherein said treatment composition is
applied to only one side of said substrate.
16. The device of claim 5, wherein said substrate has a ratio of
length to width of greater than 1.0 and less than 1.5.
17. The device of claim 5, wherein said substrate has a ratio of
length to width of greater than 1.0 and less than 1.25.
18. The device of claim 5, wherein said substrate has a ratio of
length to width of greater than 1.0 and less than 1.1.
19. A kit comprising: a. a device comprising: i. a substrate having
a first outwardly facing side, a second outwardly facing side
opposed to said first side, and an internal cavity between said
first and second sides, said substrate further having at least one
opening such that said internal cavity is externally accessible;
ii. optionally, a treatment composition impregnated in said
substrate; iii. optionally, one substantially fluid-impervious
barrier layer within said internal cavity adjacent at least one of
said sides; and b. directions for use comprising: i. indicia
showing that said device is designed to extend over at least two
fingers and designed not to extend over the carpals area of the
hand; and ii. optionally, instructions selected from the group
consisting of a statement that the treatment device is disposable,
a statement that the treatment device is not intended to be reused,
a statement that the treatment device should be discarded after a
single use, a statement that the treatment device should be
discarded after a limited number of uses, and combinations
thereof.
20. The kit of claim 19, wherein said directions additionally
comprise instructions to treat a surface selected from the group
consisting of a human surface, an animal surface, and combinations
thereof.
21. The kit of claim 19, wherein said kit additionally comprises
instructions to treat a hard surface.
22. The kit of claim 19, wherein said kit additionally comprises
instructions to treat soft textile surfaces.
23. The kit of claim 19, wherein said kit additionally comprises
indicia that said device can be used in a dry manner for treating
surfaces.
24. The kit of claim 19, wherein said kit additionally comprises
indicia that said device can be used in a wet manner for treating
surfaces.
25. The kit of claim 19, wherein said substrate has a ratio of
length to width of greater than 1.0 and less than 1.5.
26. The kit of claim 19, wherein said substrate has a ratio of
length to width of greater than 1.0 and less than 1.25.
27. The kit of claim 19, wherein said substrate has a ratio of
length to width of greater than 1.0 and less than 1.1.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of
Co-pending application Ser. No. 10/817,606, which was filed Apr. 1,
2004, entitled "ERGONOMIC CLEANING PAD", and incorporated
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to devices for
cleaning hard surfaces, soft surfaces and human and animal skin
surfaces. The invention also relates to cleaning substrates with an
interior surface for inserting a hand. The substates of the
invention can have additional uses such as attachment to cleaning
devices. The substrates can be impregnated with a treatment
composition. The substrates can also be free of treatment
composition.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A variety of mitts are known in the art. U.S. Patent App.
2003/0141204 to Yuskaitis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,543 to Lee, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,979,007 to Soon, U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,883 to Reo, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,829,089 to Steadmanm, U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,296 to Stubbs,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,336 to Finch et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,601
to Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,322 to Littledeer, U.S. Pat. No.
5,134,746 to William, U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,260 to Miller, and U.S.
Pat. No. 3,793,121 to Eberly, Jr. et al. disclose mitts which are
intended to cover the entire hand and generally have a tightening
area for the wrist. Other mitts are described that are intended to
cover a finger or multiple fingers only, for example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,669,387 and 6,508,602 to Gruenbacher et al.
[0006] We have found that a device that fits over all of the
fingers but less than the entire hand has ergonomic advantages for
the consumer. It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a device that overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings
associated with prior art devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, one aspect of the present
invention comprises a device comprising:
[0008] a. a substrate having a first outwardly facing side, a
second outwardly facing side opposed to said first side, wherein
said first and second sides are bonded together leaving an entry
portion along one edge of each of said first and second sides
between said first and second sides;
[0009] b. optionally, a treatment composition impregnated in said
substrate;
[0010] c. optionally, one substantially fluid-impervious barrier
layer within said internal cavity adjacent at least one of said
sides; and
[0011] d. wherein said device is designed to cover the hand area
comprising parts of more than one appendage selected from fingers
and a thumb; and
[0012] e. wherein said device is designed not to cover the carpals
area of the hand.
[0013] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, another aspect of the
present invention comprises a device comprising:
[0014] a. a substrate having a first outwardly facing side, a
second outwardly facing side opposed to said first side, and
forming an internal cavity between said first and second sides,
said substrate further having at least one entry portion such that
said internal cavity is externally accessible;
[0015] b. a treatment composition impregnated in said
substrate;
[0016] c. optionally, one substantially fluid-impervious barrier
layer within said internal cavity adjacent at least one of said
sides; and
[0017] d. wherein said device is designed to extend over at least
two fingers and said device is designed not to extend over the
carpals area of the hand.
[0018] In accordance with the above objects and those that will be
mentioned and will become apparent below, another aspect of the
present invention comprises a kit comprising:
[0019] a. a device comprising:
[0020] i. a substrate having a first outwardly facing side, a
second outwardly facing side opposed to said first side, and
forming an internal cavity between said first and second sides,
said substrate further having at least one entry portion such that
said internal cavity is externally accessible;
[0021] ii. a treatment composition impregnated in said
substrate;
[0022] iii. optionally, one substantially fluid-impervious barrier
layer within said internal cavity adjacent at least one of said
sides; and
[0023] b. directions for use comprising:
[0024] i. indicia showing that said device is designed to extend
over at least two fingers and designed not to extend over the
carpals area of the hand; and
[0025] ii. optionally, instructions selected from the group
consisting of a statement that the treatment device is disposable,
a statement that the treatment device is not intended to be reused,
a statement that the treatment device should be discarded after a
single use, a statement that the treatment device should be
discarded after a limited number of uses, and combinations
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Further features and advantages will become apparent from
the following and more particular description of embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in
which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts
or elements throughout the views, and in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are top plan views of other
embodiments of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
invention; and
[0030] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly
exemplified systems or process parameters that may, of course,
vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the
invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention in any manner.
[0033] All publications, patents and patent applications cited
herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0034] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to a "surfactant" includes two or more
such surfactants.
[0035] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although
a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice of the present
invention, the preferred materials and methods are described
herein.
[0036] As used herein, the term "hand article" refers to a covering
for the hand or portion of the hand such as a finger or thumb. The
term "disposable" is used herein to describe hand articles that are
not intended to be restored or reused (i.e., they are intended to
be discarded after a single use or a limited number of uses
(typically three or less), and to be recycled, composted or
otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). As
used herein, the term "mitt" refers to a hand article having an
enclosure that leaves the fingers unseparated on the external
surface and that may include space for the thumb in the main
enclosure or may provide space for the thumb in a separate
enclosure for the thumb or may not include a thumb enclosure at
all.
[0037] The cleaning device can be used as a disinfectant,
sanitizer, and/or sterilizer for cleaning a surface. As used
herein, the term "disinfect" shall mean the elimination of many or
all pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces with the exception of
bacterial endospores. As used herein, the term "sanitize" shall
mean the reduction of contaminants in the inanimate environment to
levels considered safe according to public health ordinance, or
that reduces the bacterial population by significant numbers where
public health requirements have not been established. An at least
99% reduction in bacterial population within a 24 hour time period
is deemed "significant." As used herein, the term "sterilize" shall
mean the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of
microbial life and which is authorized under the applicable
regulatory laws to make legal claims as a "Sterilant" or to have
sterilizing properties or qualities.
[0038] In the application, effective amounts are generally those
amounts listed as the ranges or levels of ingredients in the
descriptions, which follow hereto. Unless otherwise stated, amounts
listed in percentage ("%'s") are in weight percent (based on 100%
active) of the cleaning composition alone, not accounting for the
substrate weight. Each of the noted cleaner composition components
and substrates is discussed in detail below.
[0039] As used herein, the term "substrate" is intended to include
any material that is used to form the device. Examples of cleaning
substrates include, but are not limited to nonwovens, sponges,
films and similar materials.
[0040] As used herein, "film" refers to a polymer film including
flat nonporous films, and porous films such as microporous,
nanoporous, closed or open celled, breathable films, or apertured
films.
[0041] As used herein, "wiping" refers to any shearing action that
the substrate undergoes while in contact with a target surface.
This includes hand or body motion, substrate-implement motion over
a surface, or any perturbation of the substrate via energy sources
such as ultrasound, mechanical vibration, electromagnetism, and so
forth.
[0042] As used herein, the term "fiber" includes both staple
fibers, i.e., fibers which have a defined length between about 2
and about 20 mm, fibers longer than staple fiber but are not
continuous, and continuous fibers, which are sometimes called
"continuous filaments" or simply "filaments". The method in which
the fiber is prepared will determine if the fiber is a staple fiber
or a continuous filament.
[0043] As used herein, the terms "nonwoven" or "nonwoven web" means
a web having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are
interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted web.
Nonwoven webs have been formed from many processes, such as, for
example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, and bonded
carded web processes. The basis weight of nonwoven webs is usually
expressed in ounces of material per square yard (osy) or grams per
square meter (gsm) and the fiber diameters useful are usually
expressed in microns, or in the case of staple fibers, denier. It
is noted that to convert from osy to gsm, multiply osy by
33.91.
[0044] As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes, but
is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as for example,
block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc.
and blends and modifications thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise
specifically limited, the term "polymer" shall include all possible
geometrical configurations of the molecule. These configurations
include, but are not limited to isotactic, syndiotactic and random
symmetries.
[0045] The term "sponge", as used herein, is meant to mean an
elastic, porous material, including, but not limited to, compressed
sponges, cellulosic sponges, reconstituted cellulosic sponges,
cellulosic materials, foams from high internal phase emulsions,
such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,106, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polyether, and
polyester sponges, foams and nonwoven materials, and mixtures
thereof.
[0046] The term "cleaning composition", as used herein, is meant to
mean and include a cleaning formulation having at least one
surfactant.
[0047] The term "surfactant", as used herein, is meant to mean and
include a substance or compound that reduces surface tension when
dissolved in water or water solutions, or that reduces interfacial
tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. The
term "surfactant" thus includes anionic, nonionic and/or amphoteric
agents.
[0048] Cleaning Device Shape
[0049] The cleaning device shape is designed to ergonomically fit
the task. For shower and similar cleaning, the device must conform
to cleaning surfaces to allow cleaning of corners, tile grout and
textured surfaces, faucet and shower door handle area, and shower
tracks. The cleaning device may have a functional edge capable of
getting into shower tracks, curved surfaces to fit the curves in a
bathtub, optimal stiffness to allow access to corners, and optimal
thickness and compressibility to allow contact with all corners in
the tub. For cleaning the human body, there are also recesses and
curved surfaces that are more easily cleaned when the device is
conformable to the appropriate surfaces. We have found that certain
size, shape and compressibility parameters are useful to allow the
cleaning device to conform to irregular cleaning surfaces and
improve the cleaning experience compared to prior art cleaning
devices.
[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates a cleaning device attached to a cleaning
implement having a handle 10, a cleaning head 12, and a joint 11
attaching the handle 10 to the cleaning head 12. The cleaning head
12 attaches to a removable cleaning device 13. The removable
cleaning device 13 can have a scrubbing layer on the bottom surface
15 and an attachment layer on the top surface 14. The thickness of
the cleaning device 13 is measured from top surface 14 to bottom
surface 15.
[0051] FIG. 2A illustrates a cleaning device covering four fingers
but not the carpals area of the hand. FIG. 2B illustrates a
cleaning device covering four fingers and the thumb but not the
carpals area of the hand. FIG. 2C illustrates a cleaning device
covering four fingers but not the carpals area of a hand. FIG. 2D
illustrates a comparative cleaning device covering the entire hand
including the carpals area.
[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a useful shape for a cleaning device. The
cleaning device has a top end 31 and a bottom end 32. The top end
is the end that normally moves away from the user as the user
pushes the cleaning implement away from his body. When attached to
a cleaning implement such as in FIG. 1, as the joint is turned, the
sides may also move away from the user. The cleaning device has one
side 33 and another side 34. The length of the cleaning device is
measured from the top end 31 to the bottom end 32 at the longest
point. The width of the cleaning device is measured from one side
33 to the other side 34 at the widest point. Segments 30 as they
approach the top end 31 may define the cleaning angle, which is the
angle formed by the intersection of segments 30.
[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a cleaning device with a cleaning arc,
whose length is the distance from one end of the curved portion 41
to the other end of the curved portion 42, but where the cleaning
arc only extends on one side of the cleaning device, as shown in
FIG. 4.
[0054] Suitable combinations of length, length to width ratio,
cleaning arc, cleaning angle, thickness, and basis weight offer
ergonomic advantages for the appropriate cleaning task. For some
cleaning tasks, the cleaning device may be square or square with
rounded corners. For other cleaning tasks, the cleaning device may
have a cleaning angle in the front to get into corners. For
ergonomic use, the cleaning device may have a length greater than
the width. For ergonomic use, the cleaning device may have a curved
cleaning arc. For ergonomic reasons, the cleaning device may have a
minimum thickness. For ergonomic reasons, the cleaning device may
have a minimum basis weight. For ergonomic reasons, the cleaning
device may have a minimum and maximum length. The cleaning device
may also include on the attachment side an indicia that indicates
the side for attachment to a cleaning implement.
[0055] In order to ergonomically fit the cleaning task, the
cleaning device has a desired cleaning shape, size and
conformability. The cleaning device may have a ratio of length to
width of greater than 1.0 and less than 1.5. The cleaning device
may have a ratio of length to width of less than 1.25. The cleaning
device may have a ratio of length to width of less than 1.1. The
cleaning device may have a length between about 3 inches and about
7 inches. The cleaning device may have a length between about 4
inches and about 6 inches. The cleaning device may have a length
between about 4.5 inches and about 5.5 inches. If the cleaning
device has a cleaning arc, that cleaning arc may be greater than
1.5 inches. The cleaning device may have a cleaning arc greater
than 2.0 inches. The cleaning device may have a cleaning arc
greater than 2.5 inches. The cleaning device may have a cleaning
arc greater than 3.0 inches. If the cleaning device has a cleaning
angle, that cleaning angle can be between about 80 degrees and
about 120 degrees. The cleaning device may have a cleaning angle of
between about 90 degrees and about 115 degrees. The cleaning device
should have a thickness greater than 0.3 inches. The cleaning
device may have a thickness greater than 0.4 inches. The cleaning
device may have a thickness greater than 0.5 inches. The cleaning
device can have a basis weight greater than 200 gsm. The cleaning
device may have a basis weight greater than 250 gsm. The cleaning
device can have a basis weight greater than 300 gsm. The cleaning
device can have a basis weight greater than 350 gsm. The cleaning
device can have a basis weight greater than 400 gsm.
[0056] Cleaning Device Structure
[0057] In one embodiment, the inventive device can consist of a
single layer of water-permeable material. In another embodiment,
the device consists of two or more layers of material. The
inventive device can comprise two layers, as shown in FIG. 5, the
first layer 60 being water permeable and a second layer 61 being
water permeable, impermeable or water-resistant. The second layer
61 is located between the first layer 60 and the cavity 62 formed
by the device. By cavity is meant herein, the inner space provided
by the device envelope shape to fit the user's hand and/or a
mechanical device, as for example a brush, broom, or the like. The
first layer 60 is the outer layer. The second layer 61 is the inner
layer. In another embodiment, the device consists of three or more
layers of material.
[0058] Cleaning Device Substrate
[0059] A wide variety of materials can be used as the cleaning
device substrate. The substrate should have sufficient wet
strength, abrasivity, loft and porosity. Examples of suitable
substrates include, nonwoven substrates, wovens substrates,
hydroentangled substrates, foams and sponges.
[0060] Nonwoven Substrate
[0061] In one embodiment, the cleaning device of the present
invention comprises a nonwoven substrate or web. The substrate is
composed of nonwoven fibers or paper. The term nonwoven is to be
defined according to the commonly known definition provided by the
"Nonwoven Fabrics Handbook" published by the Association of the
Nonwoven Fabric Industry. A paper substrate is defined by EDANA
(note 1 of ISO 9092-EN 29092) as a substrate comprising more than
50% by mass of its fibrous content is made up of fibers (excluding
chemically digested vegetable fibers) with a length to diameter
ratio of greater than 300, and can also have a density of less than
0.040 g/cm 3. The definitions of both nonwoven and paper substrates
do not include woven fabric or cloth or sponge. The substrate can
be partially or fully permeable to water. The substrate can be
flexible and the substrate can be resilient, meaning that once
applied external pressure has been removed the substrate regains
its original shape.
[0062] Methods of making nonwovens are well known in the art.
Generally, these nonwovens can be made by air-laying, water-laying,
meltblowing, coforming, spunbonding, or carding processes in which
the fibers or filaments are first cut to desired lengths from long
strands, passed into a water or air stream, and then deposited onto
a screen through which the fiber-laden air or water is passed. The
air-laying process is described in U.S. Pat. App. 2003/0036741 to
Abba et al. and U.S. Pat. App. 2003/0118825 to Melius et al. The
resulting layer, regardless of its method of production or
composition, is then subjected to at least one of several types of
bonding operations to anchor the individual fibers together to form
a self-sustaining substrate. In the present invention the nonwoven
substrate can be prepared by a variety of processes including, but
not limited to, air-entanglement, hydroentanglement, thermal
bonding, and combinations of these processes.
[0063] Additionally, the first layer and the second layer, as well
as additional layers, when present, can be bonded to one another in
order to maintain the integrity of the article. The layers can be
heat spot bonded together or using heat generated by ultrasonic
sound waves. The bonding may be arranged such that geometric shapes
and patterns, e.g. diamonds, circles, squares, etc. are created on
the exterior surfaces of the layers and the resulting article.
[0064] The bonding pattern can be chosen in order to maximize
stiffness of the substrate. This applies when bonding is effected
by adhesive (chemical, such as epoxy resin adhesive, or other
adhesive) or by ultrasound. Thermal or pressure bonding can be used
if the layers to be bonded are appropriate for this. One useful
bonding pattern is application of adhesive or ultrasonic bonding
across the full area of the substrate. Generally such patterns do
not take up substantially the entire area, but generally not more
than 20%, sometimes not more than 15%, but sometimes at least 5%,
of the area of the substrate is covered by bonds.
[0065] One suitable application pattern for adhesive, ultrasonic or
other bonds is in the form of a number of stripes extending across
the width of the substrate, for example, the stripes are parallel.
The direction can be chosen depending upon the direction in which
stiffness is required. For instance, if stiffness in the machine
direction (this direction being defined in relation to the
manufacturing process for the substrate) is required, i.e. it is
required to make folding along a line extending in the transverse
direction more difficult, then the stripes can extend in the
machine direction. Conversely, if transverse direction stiffness is
required, then stripes extending in the transverse direction can be
provided. A suitable bonding pattern is one of two sets of parallel
stripes at different angles, for instance in cross-hatch form. Such
systems can provide the effect of introduction of a net between two
layers.
[0066] The above patterns for improvement of stiffness are useful
when applied to adhesive or ultrasound bonding. However, such
patterns can alternatively be applied using hot melt polymer
printed onto the substrate, either between layers or on an exterior
surface of one of the layers. Such patterns can be applied using
any low melting polymer that is flexible after application and
drying and capable of producing a continuous film. Suitable
polymers include polyethylene. Application of hot melt polymer can
be for instance by screen or gravure printing. Application of hot
melt polymer can be on an exterior surface on one of the
layers.
[0067] Bonding can be effected after all layers intended to form
the substrate have been assembled. In some embodiments, however,
two or more layers can be pre-bonded prior to contacting these
layers with additional layers to form the substrate.
[0068] The stiffness of the substrate when wet is an important
feature. Stiffness is expressed in Taber stiffness units, and can
be measured in accordance with ASTM D-5650 (resistance to bending
of paper of low bending stiffness). Stiffness of the substrate when
dry is measured before it is used for cleaning a surface. Stiffness
of the substrate when wet is measured after it has been saturated
in water. Stiffness when dry can be at least 5, or at least 8 Taber
stiffness units. In suitable cases, stiffness when dry is at least
9 Taber stiffness units. The Taber stiffness when wet can be at
least 5 or at least 8. In suitable embodiments, the stiffness when
wet can be at least 9 Taber stiffness units. Suitable embodiments
have stiffness when wet at least 50% or at least 60% or at least
80% or at least 90% of stiffness when dry.
[0069] The cleaning substrates can be provided dry, pre-moistened,
or impregnated with cleaning composition, but dry-to the-touch. In
one aspect, dry cleaning substrates can be provided with dry or
substantially dry cleaning or disinfecting agents coated on or in
the multicomponent multilobal fiber layer. In addition, the
cleaning substrates can be provided in a pre-moistened and/or
saturated condition. The wet cleaning substrates can be maintained
over time in a sealable container such as, for example, within a
bucket with an attachable lid, sealable plastic pouches or bags,
canisters, jars, tubs and so forth. The use of a resealable
container is suitable when using volatile liquid compositions since
substantial amounts of liquid can evaporate while using the first
substrates thereby leaving the remaining substrates with little or
no liquid. Exemplary resealable containers and dispensers include,
but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,047
to Doyle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,480 to McFadyen, U.S. Pat. No.
4,778,048 to Kaspar et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,944 to Jackson et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,786 to McBride et al.; the entire contents
of each of the aforesaid references are incorporated herein by
reference. The cleaning substrates can be incorporated or oriented
in the container as desired and/or folded as desired in order to
improve ease of use or removal as is known in the art. The cleaning
substrates of the present invention can be provided in a kit form,
wherein a plurality of cleaning substrates and a cleaning tool are
provided in a single package.
[0070] The substrate can include both natural and synthetic fibers.
The substrate can also include water-soluble fibers or
water-dispersible fibers, from polymers described herein. The
substrate can be composed of suitable unmodified and/or modified
naturally occurring fibers including cotton, Esparto grass,
bagasse, hemp, flax, silk, wool, wood pulp, chemically modified
wood pulp, jute, ethyl cellulose, and/or cellulose acetate. Various
pulp fibers can be utilized including, but not limited to,
thermomechanical pulp fibers, chemi-thermomechanical pulp fibers,
chemi-mechanical pulp fibers, refiner mechanical pulp fibers, stone
groundwood pulp fibers, peroxide mechanical pulp fibers and so
forth.
[0071] Suitable synthetic fibers can comprise fibers of one, or
more, of polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride,
polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylics such
as ORLON.RTM., polyvinyl acetate, Rayon.RTM., polyethylvinyl
acetate, non-soluble or soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyolefins such
as polyethylene (e.g., PULPEX.RTM.) and polypropylene, polyamides
such as nylon, polyesters such as DACRON.RTM. or KODEL.RTM.,
polyurethanes, polystyrenes, and the like, including fibers
comprising polymers containing more than one monomer.
[0072] The cleaning substrate of this invention may be a multilayer
laminate and may be formed by a number of different techniques
including but not limited to using adhesive, needle punching,
ultrasonic bonding, thermal calendering and through-air bonding.
Such a multilayer laminate may be an embodiment wherein some of the
layers are spunbond and some meltblown such as a
spunbond/meltblown/spunbond (SMS) laminate as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,041,203 to Brock et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,706 to
Collier, et al., each hereby incorporated by reference. The SMS
laminate may be made by sequentially depositing onto a moving
conveyor belt or forming wire first a spunbond web layer, then a
meltblown web layer and last another spunbond layer and then
bonding the laminate in a manner described above. Alternatively,
the three web layers may be made individually, collected in rolls
and combined in a separate bonding step.
[0073] The substrate can comprise solely naturally occurring
fibers, solely synthetic fibers, or any compatible combination of
naturally occurring and synthetic fibers.
[0074] The fibers useful herein can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or
can be a combination of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers. As
indicated above, the particular selection of hydrophilic or
hydrophobic fibers depends upon the other materials included in the
absorbent (and to some degree) the scrubbing layer described
hereinafter. Suitable hydrophilic fibers for use in the present
invention include cellulosic fibers, modified cellulosic fibers,
rayon, cotton, and polyester fibers, such as hydrophilic nylon
(HYDROFIL.RTM.). Suitable hydrophilic fibers can also be obtained
by hydrophilizing hydrophobic fibers, such as surfactant-treated or
silica-treated thermoplastic fibers derived from, for example,
polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyacrylics,
polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes and the like.
[0075] Another type of hydrophilic fiber for use in the present
invention is chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers. As used
herein, the term "chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers" means
cellulosic fibers that have been stiffened by chemical means to
increase the stiffness of the fibers under both dry and aqueous
conditions. Such means can include the addition of a chemical
stiffening agent that, for example, coats and/or impregnates the
fibers. Such means can also include the stiffening of the fibers by
altering the chemical structure, e.g., by crosslinking polymer
chains.
[0076] Suitable thermoplastic fibers can be made from a single
polymer (monocomponent fibers), or can be made from more than one
polymer (e.g., bicomponent or multicomponent fibers).
Multicomponent fibers are described in U.S. Pat. App. 2003/0106568
to Keck and Arnold. Bicomponent fibers are described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,613,704 to Arnold and Myers and references therein.
Multicomponent fibers of a wide range of denier or dtex are
described in U.S. Pat. App. 2002/0106478 to Hayase et. al.
[0077] Suitable bicomponent fibers for use in the present invention
can include sheath/core fibers having the following polymer
combinations: polyethylene/polypropylene, polyethylvinyl
acetate/polypropylene, polyethylene/polyester,
polypropylene/polyester, copolyester/polyester, and the like.
Suitable bicomponent thermoplastic fibers for use herein are those
having a polypropylene or polyester core, and a lower melting
copolyester, polyethylvinyl acetate or polyethylene sheath (e.g.,
those available from Danaklon a/s, Chisso Corp., and CELBOND.RTM.,
available from Hercules). These bicomponent fibers can be
concentric or eccentric. As used herein, the terms "concentric" and
"eccentric" refer to whether the sheath has a thickness that is
even, or uneven, through the cross-sectional area of the
bicomponent fiber. Eccentric bicomponent fibers can be desirable in
providing more compressive strength at lower fiber thicknesses.
[0078] In one embodiment, the cleaning substrate has at least two
regions where the regions are distinguished by basis weight.
Briefly, the measurement is achieved photographically, by
differentiating dark (low basis-weight) and light (high basis)
network regions. For example, the cleaning substrate comprises one
or more low basis weight regions, wherein the low basis region(s)
have a basis weight that is not more than about 80% of the basis
weight of the high basis weight regions. In one aspect, the first
region is relatively high basis weight and comprises an essentially
continuous network. The second region comprises a plurality of
mutually discrete regions of relatively low basis weight and which
are circumscribed by the high basis weight first region. For
example, a cleaning substrate may comprise a continuous region
having a basis weight of from about 30 to about 120 grams per
square meter and a plurality of discontinuous regions circumscribed
by the high basis weight region, wherein the discontinuous regions
are disposed in a random, repeating pattern and having a basis
weight of not more than about 80% of the basis weight of the
continuous region.
[0079] The substrate may also contain superabsorbent materials. A
wide variety of high absorbency materials (also known as
superabsorbent materials) are known to those skilled in the art.
See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663 issued Feb. 28, 1978 to
Masuda et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,082 issued Aug. 25, 1981 to
Tsubakimoto et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,817 issued Dec. 13, 1977 to
Westerman, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,706 issued Jul. 20, 1982 to
Obayashi et al. The absorbent capacity of such high-absorbency
materials is generally many times greater than the absorbent
capacity of fibrous materials. For example, a fibrous matrix of
wood pulp fluff can absorb about 7-9 grams of a liquid, (such as
0.9 weight percent saline) per gram of wood pulp fluff, while the
high-absorbency materials can absorb at least about 15, or at least
about 20, or at least about 25 grams of liquid, such as 0.9 weight
percent saline, per gram of the high-absorbency material. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,601,542, issued to Melius et al., discloses an absorbent
article in which superabsorbent material is contained in layers of
discrete pouches. Alternately, the superabsorbent material may be
within one layer or dispersed throughout the substrate.
[0080] Cleaning Device Properties
[0081] The cleaning device may show minimal migration of the
cleaning composition during storage. The cleaning device may
comprise 100% thermoplastic fibers or 100% of the same
thermoplastic fiber type in order to allow the more convenient
bonding of layers. The cleaning device may also comprise some
non-thermoplastic fibers, such as cellulosic fibers. The cleaning
device should allow the cleaning composition to be used up after
use on one to two tasks, for example one to two showers. One
example of an indication of no more cleaning composition is the
absence of foam. The cleaning device may change color as the soap
is used up. The cleaning device may acquire a dirty appearance or
may start to come apart in order to indicate that it should be
disposed. The cleaning device may not be so thick that the consumer
considers the device not to be disposable.
[0082] Cleaning Composition
[0083] In one embodiment, the cleaning device is impregnated with a
cleaning composition and is `wet-to-the-touch`. In another
embodiment, the cleaning device is impregnated with a cleaning
composition that is `dry-to-the-touch`. By `dry-to-the-touch`, it
is meant that the substrate is free of water or other solvents in
an amount that would make them feel damp or wet-to-the-touch as
compared to the touch of a wet substrate. In another embodiment,
the cleaning device is free of the cleaning composition.
[0084] The cleaning composition may contain one or more surfactants
selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, ampholytic, amphoteric
and zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. A typical
listing of anionic, nonionic, ampholytic, and zwitterionic classes,
and species of these surfactants, is given in U.S. Pat. No.
3,929,678 to Laughlin and Heuring. A list of suitable cationic
surfactants is given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,217 to Murphy. Where
present, ampholytic, amphotenic and zwitteronic surfactants are
generally used in combination with one or more anionic and/or
nonionic surfactants. The surfactants may be present at a level of
from about 0% to 90%, or from about 0.001% to 50%, or from about
0.01% to 25% by weight.
[0085] Solvent
[0086] Suitable organic solvents include, but are not limited to,
C.sub.1-6 alkanols, C.sub.1-6 diols, C.sub.1-10 alkyl ethers of
alkylene glycols, C.sub.3-24 alkylene glycol ethers, polyalkylene
glycols, short chain carboxylic acids, short chain esters,
isoparafinic hydrocarbons, mineral spirits, alkylaromatics,
terpenes, terpene derivatives, terpenoids, terpenoid derivatives,
formaldehyde, and pyrrolidones. The solvents can present at a level
of from 0.001% to 10%, or from 0.01% to 10%, or from 1% to 4% by
weight.
[0087] Additional Adjuncts
[0088] The cleaning compositions optionally contain one or more of
the following adjuncts: stain and soil repellants, lubricants, odor
control agents, perfumes, fragrances and fragrance release agents,
and bleaching agents. Other adjuncts include, but are not limited
to, acids, electrolytes, dyes and/or colorants, solubilizing
materials, stabilizers, thickeners, defoamers, hydrotropes, cloud
point modifiers, preservatives, and other polymers. The
solubilizing materials, when used, include, but are not limited to,
hydrotropes (e.g. water soluble salts of low molecular weight
organic acids such as the sodium and/or potassium salts of toluene,
cumene, and xylene sulfonic acid). The acids, when used, include,
but are not limited to, organic hydroxy acids, citric acids, keto
acid, and the like. Electrolytes, when used, include, calcium,
sodium and potassium chloride. Thickeners, when used, include, but
are not limited to, polyacrylic acid, xanthan gum, calcium
carbonate, aluminum oxide, alginates, guar gum, methyl, ethyl,
clays, and/or propyl hydroxycelluloses. Defoamers, when used,
include, but are not limited to, silicones, aminosilicones,
silicone blends, and/or silicone/hydrocarbon blends. Bleaching
agents, when used, include, but are not limited to, peracids,
hypohalite sources, hydrogen peroxide, and/or sources of hydrogen
peroxide. Bleaching agents may be present in concentrations of
0.001% up to 100% of the cleaning composition.
[0089] Antimicrobial Agent
[0090] The cleaning compositions may contain antimicrobial agents.
Antimicrobial agents include quaternary ammonium compounds and
phenolics. Non-limiting examples of these quaternary compounds
include benzalkonium chlorides and/or substituted benzalkonium
chlorides, di(C.sub.6-C.sub.14)alkyl di short chain (C.sub.1-4
alkyl and/or hydroxyalkl) quaternary ammonium salts,
N-(3-chloroallyl)hexaminium chlorides, benzethonium chloride,
methylbenzethonium chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride. Other
quaternary compounds include the group consisting of
dialkyldimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium
chlorides, dialkylmethylbenzylammonium chlorides, and mixtures
thereof. Biguanide antimicrobial actives including, but not limited
to polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, p-chlorophenyl
biguanide; 4-chlorobenzhydryl biguanide, halogenated hexidine such
as, but not limited to, chlorhexidine (1,1'-hexamethylene
-bis-5-(4-chlorophenyl biguanide) and its salts are also in this
class.
[0091] Builder/Buffer
[0092] The cleaning composition may include a builder or buffer,
which increase the effectiveness of the surfactant. The builder or
buffer can also function as a softener and/or a sequestering agent
in the cleaning composition. A variety of builders or buffers can
be used and they include, but are not limited to,
phosphate-silicate compounds, zeolites, alkali metal, ammonium and
substituted ammonium polyacetates, trialkali salts of
nitrilotriacetic acid, carboxylates, polycarboxylates, carbonates,
bicarbonates, polyphosphates, aminopolycarboxylates,
polyhydroxysulfonates, and starch derivatives. When employed, the
builder, buffer, or pH adjusting agent comprises at least about
0.001% and typically about 0.01-5% of the cleaning composition. The
builder or buffer content can be about 0.01-2%.
[0093] Effervescence
[0094] The cleaning composition may comprise materials that
effervesce when combined with water. The materials may be within a
water-soluble, water-insoluble, or water-dispersible pouch to slow
the effervescent action or to protect the composition from
premature hydration. The materials may comprise a polymeric agent
to slow the effervescence. One component of the effervescent
materials may be an acidic material. Suitable for this purpose are
any acids present in dry solid form. Suitable for this purpose are
C.sub.2-20 organic mono- and poly-carboxylic acids such as alpha-
and beta-hydroxycarboxylic acids; C2-20 organophosphorus acids such
as phytic acid; C2-20 organosulfur acids such as toluene sulfonic
acid; and peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide or materials that
generate hydrogen peroxide in solution. Typical hydroxycarboxylic
acids include adipic, glutaric, succinic, tartaric, malic, maleic,
lactic, salicylic and citric acids as well as acid forming lactones
such as gluconolactone and gluccrolactone. A suitable acid is
citric acid. Also suitable as acid material may be encapsulated
acids. Typical encapsulating material may include water-soluble
synthetic or natural polymers such as polyacrylates (e.g.
encapsulating polyacrylic acid), cellulosic gums, polyurethane and
polyoxyalkylene polymers. By the term "acid" is meant any substance
which when dissolved in deionized water at 1% concentration will
have a pH of less than 7. These acids may also have a pH of less
than 6.5 or less than 5. These acids may be at 25.degree. C. in
solid form, i.e. having melting points greater than 25.degree. C.
Concentrations of the acid should range from about 0.5 to about
80%, or from about 10 to about 65%, or from about 20 to about 45%
by weight of the total composition.
[0095] Another component of the effervescent materials may be a
alkaline material. The alkaline material may a substance that can
generate a gas such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or oxygen, i.e.
effervesce, when contacted with water and the acidic material.
Suitable alkaline materials are anhydrous salts of carbonates and
bicarbonates, alkaline peroxides (e.g. sodium perborate and sodium
percarbonate) and azides (e.g. sodium azide). An example of the
alkaline material is sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Amounts of
the alkaline material may range from about 1 to about 80%, or from
about 5 to about 49%, or from about 15 to about 40%, or from about
25 to about 35% by weight of the total composition.
[0096] When the cleaning composition comprises effervescent
materials, then the composition may comprise no more than 5%, or no
more than 3.5%, or no more than 1% water by weight of the total
composition. Water of hydration is not considered to be water for
purposes of this calculation. However, water of hydration can be
present. The combined amount of acidic and alkaline materials may
be greater than 1.5%, or from about 40 to about 95%, or from about
60 to about 80% by weight of the total composition.
[0097] Pine Oil, Terpene Derivatives and Essential Oils
[0098] Compositions according to the invention may comprise pine
oil, terpene derivatives and/or essential oils. Pine oil, terpene
derivatives and essential oils are used primarily for cleaning
efficacy. They may also provide some antimicrobial efficacy and
deodorizing properties. Pine oil, terpene derivatives and essential
oils may be present in the compositions in amounts of up to about
1% by weight, or in amounts of 0.01% to 0.5% by weight.
[0099] Essential oils include, but are not limited to, those
obtained from thyme, lemongrass, citrus, lemons, oranges, anise,
clove, aniseed, pine, cinnamon, geranium, roses, mint, lavender,
citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, camphor, sandalwood, rosmarin,
vervain, fleagrass, lemongrass, ratanhiae, cedar and mixtures
thereof. Suitable essential oils to be used herein are thyme oil,
clove oil, cinnamon oil, geranium oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint
oil, mint oil or mixtures thereof.
[0100] Actives of essential oils to be used herein include, but are
not limited to, thymol (present for example in thyme), eugenol
(present for example in cinnamon and clove), menthol (present for
example in mint), geraniol (present for example in geranium and
rose), verbenone (present for example in vervain), eucalyptol and
pinocarvone (present in eucalyptus), cedrol (present for example in
cedar), anethol (present for example in anise), carvacrol,
hinokitiol, berberine, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, methyl
salycilic acid, methyl salycilate, terpineol and mixtures thereof.
Suitable actives of essential oils to be used herein are thymol,
eugenol, verbenone, eucalyptol, terpineol, cinnamic acid, methyl
salycilic acid, citric acid and/or geraniol.
[0101] Other essential oils include Anethole 20/21 natural, Aniseed
oil china star, Aniseed oil globe brand, Balsam (Peru), Basil oil
(India), Black pepper oil, Black pepper oleoresin 40/20, Bois de
Rose (Brazil) FOB, Borneol Flakes (China), Camphor oil, White,
Camphor powder synthetic technical, Canaga oil (Java), Cardamom
oil, Cassia oil (China), Cedarwood oil (China) BP, Cinnamon bark
oil, Cinnamon leaf oil, Citronella oil, Clove bud oil, Clove leaf,
Coriander (Russia), Coumarin 69.degree. C. (China), Cyclamen
Aldehyde, Diphenyl oxide, Ethyl vanilin, Eucalyptol, Eucalyptus
oil, Eucalyptus citriodora, Fennel oil, Geranium oil, Ginger oil,
Ginger oleoresin (India), White grapefruit oil, Guaiacwood oil,
Gurjun balsam, Heliotropin, Isobornyl acetate, Isolongifolene,
Juniper berry oil, L-methhyl acetate, Lavender oil, Lemon oil,
Lemongrass oil, Lime oil distilled, Litsea Cubeba oil, Longifolene,
Menthol crystals, Methyl cedryl ketone, Methyl chavicol, Methyl
salicylate, Musk ambrette, Musk ketone, Musk xylol, Nutmeg oil,
Orange oil, Patchouli oil, Peppermint oil, Phenyl ethyl alcohol,
Pimento berry oil, Pimento leaf oil, Rosalin, Sandalwood oil,
Sandenol, Sage oil, Clary sage, Sassafras oil, Spearmint oil, Spike
lavender, Tagetes, Tea tree oil, Vanilin, Vetyver oil (Java),
Wintergreen. Each of these botanical oils is commercially
available.
[0102] Suitable oils include peppermint oil, lavender oil, bergamot
oil (Italian), rosemary oil (Tunisian), and sweet orange oil. These
may be commercially obtained from a variety of suppliers including:
Givadan Roure Corp. (Clifton, N.J.); Berje Inc. (Bloomfield, N.J.);
BBA Aroma Chemical Div. of Union Camp Corp. (Wayne, N.J.);
Firmenich Inc. (Plainsboro N.J.); Quest International Fragrances
Inc. (Mt. Olive Township, N.J.); Robertet Fragrances Inc. (Oakland,
N.J.).
[0103] Suitable lemon oil and d-limonene compositions which are
useful in the invention include mixtures of terpene hydrocarbons
obtained from the essence of oranges, e.g., cold-pressed orange
terpenes and orange terpene oil phase ex fruit juice, and the
mixture of terpene hydrocarbons expressed from lemons and
grapefruit.
[0104] Substances Generally Recognized as Safe
[0105] Compositions according to the invention may comprise
substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS), including essential
oils, oleoresins (solvent-free) and natural extractives (including
distillates), and synthetic flavoring materials and adjuvants.
Compositions may also comprise GRAS materials commonly found in
cotton, cotton textiles, paper and paperboard stock dry food
packaging materials (referred herein as substrates) that have been
found to migrate to dry food and, by inference may migrate into the
inventive compositions when these packaging materials are used as
substrates for the inventive compositions.
[0106] Suitable GRAS materials are listed in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Title 21 of the United States Food and Drug
Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Parts
180.20, 180.40 and 180.50, which are hereby incorporated by
reference. These suitable GRAS materials include essential oils,
oleoresins (solvent-free), and natural extractives (including
distillates). The GRAS materials may be present in the compositions
in amounts of up to about 10% by weight, or in amounts of 0.01 and
5% by weight.
[0107] Suitable GRAS materials include oils and oleoresins
(solvent-free) and natural extractives (including distillates)
derived from alfalfa, allspice, almond bitter (free from prussic
acid), ambergris, ambrette seed, angelica, angostura (cusparia
bark), anise, apricot kernel (persic oil), asafetida, balm (lemon
balm), balsam (of Peru), basil, bay leave, bay (myrcia oil),
bergamot (bergamot orange), bois de rose (Aniba rosaeodora Ducke),
cacao, camomile (chamomile) flowers, cananga, capsicum, caraway,
cardamom seed (cardamon), carob bean, carrot, cascarilla bark,
cassia bark, Castoreum, celery seed, cheery (wild bark), chervil,
cinnamon bark, Civet (zibeth, zibet, zibetum), ceylon (Cinnamomum
zeylanicum Nees), cinnamon (bark and leaf), citronella, citrus
peels, clary (clary sage), clover, coca (decocainized), coffee,
cognac oil (white and green), cola nut (kola nut), coriander, cumin
(cummin), curacao orange peel, cusparia bark, dandelion, dog grass
(quackgrass, triticum), elder flowers, estragole (esdragol,
esdragon, estragon, tarragon), fennel (sweet), fenugreek, galanga
(galangal), geranium, ginger, grapefruit, guava, hickory bark,
horehound (hoarhound), hops, horsemint, hyssop, immortelle
(Helichrysum augustifolium DC), jasmine, juniper (berries), laurel
berry and leaf, lavender, lemon, lemon grass, lemon peel, lime,
linden flowers, locust bean, lupulin, mace, mandarin (Citrus
reticulata Blanco), marjoram, mate, menthol (including menthyl
acetate), molasses (extract), musk (Tonquin musk), mustard,
naringin, neroli (bigarade), nutmeg, onion, orange (bitter,
flowers, leaf, flowers, peel), origanum, palmarosa, paprika,
parsley, peach kernel (persic oil, pepper (black, white), peanut
(stearine), peppermint, Peruvian balsam, petitgrain lemon,
petitgrain mandarin (or tangerine), pimenta, pimenta leaf,
pipsissewa leaves, pomegranate, prickly ash bark, quince seed, rose
(absolute, attar, buds, flowers, fruit, hip, leaf), rose geranium,
rosemary, safron, sage, St. John's bread, savory, schinus molle
(Schinus molle L), sloe berriers, spearmint, spike lavender,
tamarind, tangerine, tarragon, tea (Thea sinensis L.), thyme,
tuberose, turmeric, vanilla, violet (flowers, leaves), wild cherry
bark, ylang-ylang and zedoary bark.
[0108] Suitable synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants are
listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21 of the
United States Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health
and Human Services, Part 180.60, which is hereby incorporated by
reference. These GRAS materials may be present in the compositions
in amounts of up to about 1% by weight, or in amounts of 0.01 and
0.5% by weight.
[0109] Suitable synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that
are generally recognized as safe for their intended use, include
acetaldehyde (ethanal), acetoin (acetyl methylcarbinol), anethole
(parapropenyl anisole), benzaldehyde (benzoic aldehyde), n-Butyric
acid (butanoic acid), d- or 1-carvone (carvol), cinnamaldehyde
(cinnamic aldehyde), citral (2,6-dimethyloctadien-2,6-al-8,
gera-nial, neral), decanal (N-decylaldehyde, capraldehyde, capric
aldehyde, caprinaldehyde, aldehyde C-10), ethyl acetate, ethyl
butyrate, 3-Methyl-3-phenyl glycidic acid ethyl ester
(ethyl-methyl-phenyl-glycidate, so-called strawberry aldehyde, C-16
aldehyde), ethyl vanillin, geraniol (3,7-dimethyl-2,6 and
3,6-octadien-1-ol), geranyl acetate (geraniol acetate), limonene
(d-, 1-, and dl-), linalool (linalol,
3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol), linalyl acetate (bergamol), methyl
anthranilate (methyl-2-aminobenzoate), piperonal
(3,4-methylenedioxy-benzaldehyde, heliotropin) and vanillin.
[0110] Suitable GRAS substances that may be present in the
inventive compositions that have been identified as possibly
migrating to food from cotton, cotton textiles, paper and
paperboard materials used in dry food packaging materials are
listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21 of the
United States Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health
and Human Services, Parts 180.70 and 180.90, which are hereby
incorporated by reference. The GRAS materials may be present in the
compositions either by addition or incidentally owing to migration
from the substrates to the compositions employed in the invention,
or present owing to both mechanisms. If present, the GRAS materials
may be present in the compositions in amounts of up to about 1% by
weight.
[0111] Suitable GRAS materials that are suitable for use in the
invention, identified as originating from either cotton or cotton
textile materials used as substrates in the invention, include beef
tallow, carboxymethylcellulose, coconut oil (refined), cornstarch,
gelatin, lard, lard oil, oleic acid, peanut oil, potato starch,
sodium acetate, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, sodium
tripolyphosphate, soybean oil (hydrogenated), talc, tallow
(hydrogenated), tallow flakes, tapioca starch, tetrasodium
pyrophosphate, wheat starch and zinc chloride.
[0112] Suitable GRAS materials that are suitable for use in the
invention, identified as originating from either paper or
paperboard stock materials used as substrates in the invention,
include alum (double sulfate of aluminum and ammonium potassium, or
sodium), aluminum hydroxide, aluminum oleate, aluminum palmitate,
casein, cellulose acetate, cornstarch, diatomaceous earth filler,
ethyl cellulose, ethyl vanillin, glycerin, oleic acid, potassium
sorbate, silicon dioxides, sodium aluminate, sodium chloride,
sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium hydrosulfite, sodium
phosphoaluminate, sodium silicate, sodium sorbate, sodium
tripolyphosphate, sorbitol, soy protein (isolated), starch (acid
modified, pregelatinized and unmodified), talc, vanillin, zinc
hydrosulfite and zinc sulfate.
[0113] Fragrance
[0114] Compositions of the present invention may comprise from
about 0.01% to about 50% by weight of the fragrance oil.
Compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 0.2%
to about 25% by weight of the fragrance oil. Compositions of the
present invention may comprise from about 1% to about 25% by weight
of the fragrance oil.
[0115] Water
[0116] When the composition is an aqueous composition, water can
be, along with the solvent, a predominant ingredient. Where the
cleaning device is wet, water may be present at a level of less
than 99.9%, or less than about 99%, or less than about 98%. Where
the cleaning composition is concentrated, the water may be present
in the composition at a concentration of less than about 85 wt. %.
The water may be deionized water.
[0117] Cleaning Device Attachment to Cleaning Implement
[0118] The cleaning device can be used with the hand, or optionally
as part of a cleaning implement attached to a tool or motorized
tool, such as one having a handle. The cleaning device may be
optionally attached to a cleaning implement having a cleaning head
with an attachment means. The attachment means may also be an
integral part of the handle of the cleaning implement or may be
removably attached to the end of the handle. The cleaning device
may be attached by a friction fit means, by a clamping means, by a
threaded screw means, by hook and loop attachment or by any other
suitable attachment means. The cleaning device may have a rigid or
flexible plastic or metal fitment for attachment to the cleaning
implement or the cleaning device may be directly attached to the
cleaning implement.
[0119] In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning implement
comprises the tool assembly disclosed in Co-pending application
Ser. No. 10/678,033, entitled "Cleaning Tool with Gripping Assembly
for a Disposable Scrubbing Head", filed Sep. 30, 2003. In another
embodiment of the invention, the cleaning implement comprises the
tool assembly disclosed in Co-pending application Ser. No.
10/602,478, entitled "Cleaning Tool with Gripping Assembly for a
Disposable Scrubbing Head", filed Jun. 23, 2003. In another
embodiment of the invention, the cleaning implement comprises the
tool assembly disclosed in Co-pending application Ser. No.
10/766,179, entitled "Interchangeable Tool Heads", filed Jan. 27,
2004. In another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning
implement comprises an elongated shaft having a handle portion on
one end thereof. The tool assembly further includes a gripping
mechanism that is mounted to the shaft to engage the removable
cleaning device. Examples of suitable cleaning implements are found
in U.S. 2003/0070246 to Cavalheiro; U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,705 to
Graham; U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,659 to Paepke; U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,212
to Bomgaars et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,781 to Brouillet, Jr.; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,862,565 to Lundstedt; U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,015 to Garcia;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,717 to Castagliola; U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,986 to
Seals; U.S. 2002/0007527 to Hart; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,771 to
Egolf et al. Other suitable examples of tools using a cleaning
substrate include U.S. Pat. No. 6,611,986 to Seals, WO00/71012 to
Belt et al., U.S. Pat. App. 2002/0129835 to Pieroni and Foley, and
WO00/27271 to Policicchio et al. The cleaning implement may have a
hook, hole, magnetic means, canister or other means to allow the
cleaning implement to be conveniently stored when not in use. To
ergonomically reach certain cleaning areas, the cleaning implement
may be greater than 12 inches long and shorter than 36 inches
long.
[0120] Package
[0121] The packaging for the cleaning devices can be from 5-10
inches in width and less than 10.5 inches in height. Suitable
packaging includes an individual or multiple (containing several up
to 10 devices) flexible pouch, such as one based on polyethylene.
The cleaning devices can be individually wrapped within the
flexible pouch. The pouch can be laminated, for instance with
polyethylene terephthalate. The pouch can include a zipper or
slider to allow the consumer easy access to the cleaning devices.
Suitable packaging includes a thermoformed clamshell, for example
out of polypropylene with a cardboard sleeve. Suitable packaging
includes a tub with a lid, for example from thermoformed or
injection molded polyethylene.
[0122] Kit
[0123] The invention can be a kit including the inventive device.
The kit can include the device and directions for use including
indicia indicating that the device is designed to cover a specific
hand area or group of hand areas, such as, the hand area selected
from the group consisting of four fingers only, four fingers and a
thumb and only part of the palm of a hand, four fingers and part of
the palm of a hand only and combinations thereof. The indicia can
indicate that the device covers all or part of the fingers and/or
thumb of the hand. The indicia can indicate that the device can
cover parts or all of a single or multiple fingers and a thumb. The
indicia can indicate that the device can cover parts of two or more
fingers. The indicia can indicate that the device can cover the
thumb and parts of one or more fingers. The indicia can indicate
that the device does not cover the carpals area of the hand,
corresponding to the palm. The kit can include an indication that
the device, or parts of the device, are disposable. This indication
can be in the form of instructions including a statement that the
treatment device is disposable, a statement that the treatment
device is not intended to be reused, a statement that the treatment
device should be discarded after a single use, a statement that the
treatment device should be discarded after a limited number of
uses, and combinations thereof. The kit can additionally contain
instructions for treating a human surface, an animal surface, a
hard surface, a soft textile surface, and other surfaces. The kit
can contain indicia that the device can be used in a dry manner for
treating surfaces. The kit can contain indicia that the device can
be used in a wet manner, for instance already wet or prewetted, for
treating surfaces.
[0124] Method of Use
[0125] The cleaning device can be used for dusting, cleaning,
disinfectancy, or sanitization on inanimate, household surfaces,
including floors, counter tops, furniture, windows, walls, and
automobiles. Other surfaces include stainless steel, chrome, and
shower enclosures. The cleaning device can also be used for
treating, cleaning, moisturizing, or sanitizating animate surfaces,
for example, on human or animal surfaces.
EXAMPLES
[0126] In one embodiment, the cleaning device may be a laminate
comprising a hydrophobic exterior scrubbing layer, a hydrophilic
interior layer, and an optional additional exterior layer on the
other side of the device. The additional exterior layer may be
identical to the exterior scrubbing layer or it may be different,
for example an attachment layer. The device may contain an interior
cavity formed by joining two laminate layers or the interior cavity
may be formed between layers of the laminate. The device may have a
basis weight greater than about 200 gsm, or greater than 250 gsm,
or greater than 300 gsm, or greater that 400 gsm. The device may
have a bulk density less than 0.15 g/cc, or less than 0.10 g/cc, or
less than 0.08 g/cc.
[0127] In one embodiment, the hydrophobic exterior scrubbing layer
may be composed of 100% hydrophobic thermoplastic fibers, or may
have minor amounts of other fibers. An example of the exterior
scrubbing layer is given in Table I.
1 TABLE I Basis weight 100 gsm Fiber type Polypropylene Fiber size
3.12 denier Process Carded and needled MD tensile and elongation
7655 g/in and 130% CD tensile and elongation 3250 g/in and 150%
Supplier Texel - Buff 0100
[0128] In one embodiment, the hydrophilic interior layer may be
entirely spunbond thermoplastic, for example polypropylene. An
example of the hydrophilic interior layer and the properties is
given in Table II.
2TABLE II Basis weight 250 gsm Fiber type Polypropylene Fiber size
2.5 denier Process Composite of 1 termal bonded layer and 3
spunbonded layers ultrasonically bonded MD tensile >25,000 g/in
CD tensile and elongation 13836 g/in and 106% Supplier BBA
Nonwovens - 30062
[0129] In one embodiment, the attachment layer may be comprised of
a variety of fiber types, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyester, bicomponent, or multicomponent fibers. The attachment
layer may be formed from a variety of processes, for example,
carded and thermal bond, carded and spray bond, needling, or a
combination of these and other processes. The attachment layer may
be comprised of fibers of a variety of thicknesses, including
fibers of 2 denier or greater, or fibers of 3 denier or greater, or
fibers of 5 denier or greater, or fibers of 12 denier or greater.
The attachment layer may be comprised of fibers of different
thickness, for example, fibers of less than 2 denier and 3 denier
or greater, fibers of less than 2 denier and 6 denier or greater,
fibers of about 3 denier and fibers of about 6 denier or greater,
fibers of about 3 denier and fibers of about 12 denier or greater.
The attachment layer may have a thickness (Twing Albert) of about
0.20 inches, of about 0.25 inches, of about 0.30 inches, or of
about 0.35 inches or higher. The attachment layer may have a basis
weight of greater than 90 gsm, or greater than 100 gsm, or greater
than 110 gsm, or greater than 120 gsm, or greater than 130 gsm, or
greater than 140 gsm. The attachment layer may have a basis weight
of between 90 and 150 gsm, or between 90 and 140 gsm, or between 90
and 130 gsm, or between 90 and 120 gsm, or between 100 and 150 gsm,
or between 100 and 140 gsm, or between 100 and 130 gsm, or between
100 and 120 gsm, or between 110 and 150 gsm, or between 110 and 140
gsm, or between 110 and 130 gsm, or between 110 and 120 gsm, or
between 120 and 150 gsm, or between 120 and 140 gsm, or between 120
and 130 gsm. Examples of suitable attachment layers are given in
Table III.
3TABLE III Basis Fiber weight, thickness, Supplier/Grade gsm
Process Thickness, in denier PGI/FB185 142 Carded, thermal 0.266 3
and 12 bonded PE/PET bicomponent Carlee/P3.60 122 Carded, thermal
0.327 3 and 6 bonded PET Fybon/ 119 Carded, cross lap 0.214 15
thermal bond PE and PET Union 102 Carded, thermal 0.267 3 and 12
Wadding/ bonded with 3613688 needling PET Filtration 112 Carded
with spray 0.291 3 and 12 Group/VL- bond PET WT3.3 Filtration 136
Carded with spray 0.380 6 and 12 Group/VL-04 bond PET
[0130] In one example, a substrate (Example AA) was prepared by
glue lamination of three nonwoven-layers. The surface scrubbing
layer was formed from needle punched polypropylene (25%-18 denier,
30% 1.5 denier, 45% 3 denier) with a singe finish and reinforced
with spunbond 10 gsm polypropylene. The total basis weight of the
surface scrubbing layer was 100 gsm. The middle reservoir layer
consisted of a 4 layer ultrasonically bonded structure (top and
bottom layers--polyester (6, 9 denier), carded web forming with
chemical bonding, 78 gsm; middle two layers--polypropylene (2
denier), spunbond, 75 gsm). The total basis weight of the middle
reservoir layer was 313 gsm. The bottom layer consisted of
bicomponent fiber (polyethylene/polyester (3,6 denier)) made by
carded web forming, through air bonded. The total basis weight of
the bottom layer was 146 gsm. The cleaning device can be formed by
laminating two substrate layers together or may form an interior
cavity between any substrate layers. The cleaning device can be
directly attached to a cleaning implement or attached first to a
fitment and then to a cleaning implement. The substrate was tested
for capacity to hold the cleaning composition and the results are
given in Table IV.
4 TABLE IV substrate wt grams Cleaner wt Capacity Example AA 4.36
18.33 420%
[0131]
5 TABLE VIII Basis Weight Process and Description Scrim layer 100
gsm Carded and needled, Polypropylene 3.12 denier Absorbent 520 gsm
Composite of 2 termal bonded layers and 8 layer spunbonded layers,
Polypropylene 2.5 denier Pad A 640 gsm 3 Layer Composite structure
adhesively laminated together with PP scrubby layer, 520 gsm PP
absorbent composite structure, and 120 gsm air-laid/rando PET with
binder Pad B 640 gsm 3 Layer Composite structure adhesively
laminated together with PP scrubby layer, 520 gsm PP absorbent
composite structure, and 120 gsm carded with thermal bond
bicomponent
[0132] Examples of suitable cleaning compositions are provided in
Tables V and VI. The cleaning compositions can be loaded on the
cleaning substrate in a ratio of from 0.2 to 3.0 of cleaning
composition to cleaning substrate. The cleaning compositions can be
loaded on the cleaning substrate in a ratio of from 1.0 to 2.0 of
cleaning composition to cleaning substrate. The pH of the cleaning
compostion can be measured by adding 5 g of the composition to 100
g of water.
6 TABLE V Example A Example B Example C Example D Example E Alkyl
2.0 5.5 13.8 10.2 polyglycoside.sup.a Alcohol 1.5 9.7
ethoxylate.sup.b Sodium 0.5 2.6 dodecyl diphenyloxide
disulfonate.sup.c Sodium lauryl 4.5 1.3 2.6 2.5 sulfate.sup.d
Glycolic acid 2.1 6.1 8.1 Citric acid 1.5 Lactic acid 4.0 Sulfamic
acid 1.0 Isopropanol 0.5 Dipropylene 2.0 glycol n-butyl ether.sup.e
d-limonene 0.5 Blue Dye 0.006 0.006 Fragrance 1.5 0.5 1.00 Water
balance balance balance balance balance pH 2.2 .sup.aAPG 325N from
Cognis .sup.bAlfonic 1012-5 from Vista Chemical .sup.cDowfax 2A1
from Dow Chemical .sup.dStepanol WAC from Stepan Chemical
.sup.eDowanol DPnB from Dow Chemical
[0133]
7 TABLE VI Example F Example G Example H Example I Example J Alkyl
6.3 13.0 10.0 10.0 5.0 polyglycoside Alcohol ethoxylate 2.0 2.0
Sodium 28.0 2.0 secondary alkane sulfonate.sup.f Sodium 5.0
sulfosuccinate.sup.g Sodium lauryl 3.0 3.0 3.0 sulfate
Alkanolamide.sup.h 4.0 Citric acid 4.0 50.0 1.0 5.0 Sulfamic acid
4.0 Hydrogen 2.0 peroxide Sodium 25.0 bicarbonate Hydrophilic 1.0
polymer.sup.i Nanoparticle.sup.j 4.0 Fragrance Preservative 0.2 1.0
1.0 0.5 2-Benzyl-4- 1.0 chlorophenol.sup.k Thickener.sup.l 0.5
Cyclodextrin.sup.m 3.0 Water balance pH 2.2 .sup.fHostapur SAS from
Clariant .sup.gGerapon SDS from Rhodia .sup.hNinol 11 CM from
Stepan Chemical .sup.iAlco from Alco Chemical .sup.jLaponite B from
Southern Clay Producs .sup.kNipacide BCP 50 from Clariant
.sup.lKelsan S from Kelco .sup.mCavasol from Wacher
[0134] Without departing from the spirit and scope of this
invention, one of ordinary skill can make various changes and
modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and
conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly,
equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence
of the following claims.
* * * * *